In general, my fridge and cupboards are quite bare in the eyes of many. It's not because I live alone (well, that's part of it), it's more that I don't stock my kitchen with too much "junk" food. I buy what I eat regularly with an occasional treat and that is it. One rule I live by: if it's not in the kitchen, I can't eat it. I struggle with self-control occasionally - and usually with treats. Remember: the food in the house is the fuel for my body during training. Unleaded fuel works best....diesel, not so much :)
I just returned from a much-needed trip to the grocery store and Target. This is what was on the receipts. See if you can guess what my treat was this time!
Oranges - for a vitamin C packed snack
5.39 pounds of bananas (that was 13 bananas and 6 of them were HUGE) - I peel and freeze most of them for protein smoothies.
Apples - Braeburn to be specific. An apple a day keeps the doctor away - I have believed in this for as long as I can remember.
Green leaf lettuce
Romaine lettuce
Strawberries - a bestie in my kitchen - and spring/summer is coming so they are coming down in price and going up in quality. Yay for summer!
Frozen berries (all kinds) - for smoothies
Canned pineapple, peaches, pears, mandarin oranges - I love fruit.
Frozen waffles - the least processed kind I can find. I will eat these with peanut butter, just one at a time and usually paired with a smoothie for lunch or dinner.
English muffins - Whole wheat or multi-grain with peanut butter!!
Blue Corn chips - organic usually or whatever is cheapest at the time.
Black beans
Cannellini beans
Quinoa - super quick to cook and much tastier and healthier, actually than brown rice. I will prepare a whole pot that will last me about a week. I pair quinoa with beans and then add it to a pile of lettuce with a little ranch. This is one of my favorite meals the last several months...no lie, I have it about 6 days/week.
Peanut butter - Jif, sometimes creamy, sometimes natural. I would eat peanut butter at every meal...but that's excessive they say. Give me a spoon and I'll eat it straight out of the jar. I also put it in my protein smoothies.
Pretzels - I buy the sourdough nuggets which can easily be dipped in peanut butter or spread with peanut butter- a serious weakness for me.
Pistachios - snack time - but I have to portion out how many I am going to eat or I would seriously eat 1/2 the bag without even noticing.
Almonds with sea salt - portion control, again.
Dark chocolate almonds - super tasty - again, I portion these off as well.
Toasted Oats cereal - Food Club brand cheerios cause I had a great coupon - this will be my breakfast with some soy milk...only one other cereal has lower sugar and that's Shredded Wheat.
Tuna- canned and prepared with a little light mayo gets some serious lean protein in my diet. I try to eat it 1-2x/week. I would eat it everyday if I wasn't worried about mercury poisioning and the smelly can opener it creates to prepare everyday. I usually make this into a sandwich on a toasted english muffin. Tun is a very heart-healthy protein source.
Light Soy Milk (Silk) - I have not bought skim milk in a few months...who knew I would turn into THAT girl. I really like this stuff on my cereal and in my protein smoothies too. I buy the Light Chocolate Silk too - which is very good.
Dark chocolate - research shows this helps recovery :) - again, moderation is key. I prefer milk chocolate, but the darker the chocolate, the better it is for you.
Cottage cheese - I usually buy fat-free and pair it with canned pineapple. The cottage cheese is also a quality protein source for me as I don't eat a lot of meat (if you couldn't tell).
What did you pick as the "treat?"
It's the blue corn chips! I love these things...so good, and again, in moderation, they have a lot of heart-healthy fat. I eat them plain, with salsa or with hummus. Truthfully, they are so dang good just plain.
Other items you will find in my kitchen:
Soy protein powder (vanilla) - Trader Joe's - mixed with plain or chocolate (or both!) soy milk
Whey protein powder (chocolate) - Trader Joe's - mixed with plain soy milk.
Usually a couple Boca or Morningstar Farms frozen vegan "meats." I really like the Spicy Black Bean burger from MF or Boca's Original pattie.
Diet Coke - liquid crack - my caffeine source - my saving grace at times.
Coffee beans - this is a newbie in the kitchen thanks to my more recent taste bud acquisition and a coffee grinder for Christmas thanks to my mom! - again, a caffeine source.
A few other boxes of cereal - I don't eat it as much as I used to...again, who knew I would be THAT girl. Cheerios, multi-grain Cheerios, Oatmeal Squares, Shredded Wheat, Life are a few I have on hand right now.
Whole Oats (oatmeal) - Trader Joe's makes a Multi-Grain which has 4 different grains in it (oats, barley, rye and wheat). I really like this stuff and it cooks in just a few minutes on the stove.
Ground flax - heart "food" - sprinkled on my oatmeal or a little thrown in withe smoothies.
Canned veggies- mostly green beans - and I actually like these cold, straight out of the can better than I like them warmed up.
That's about it...most of my friends know I am pretty picky and particular about what I eat. They also know I can enjoy myself occasionally with a cheeseburger, lots of fries and a beer with some tasty ice cream for dessert. And when those days come around I usually endulge myself :)
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Monday, February 21, 2011
giddy x3
This was a chosen blog title last week - and since I never got a chance to blog last week I feel that since the word "giddy" was such a part of last week that I still have to use it.
Monday last week - known to most as Valentine's Day - was a monumental day for me. I finally got the D filed. I cannot describe how I felt that day - I had no idea that I could possible feel as giddy as I did. I could barely drive to the courthouse....seriously. It was nuts. But, it was good. It was also sad, but certainly about time that it happen. It won't be final of course, until the findings are received from the judge, in the snail mail. We will each receive a copy. It's been a week - and all I am doing is hoping that the judge who reviews our case does not find anything "wrong" with it. Be prepared, if the judge does find something unacceptable with our case, that I will fall down and will struggle to get back up. I don't think I can handle doing this paperwork again, and I am sure that will cost money, which I don't have, since I put forth enough for this already. We won't think about it...anyway, the lady at the courthouse told me to expect the findings in 2-3 weeks and it's been 1 already, so it's coming soon. Giddy me.
Giddy #2 came a few days later when I found out I had won a contest I entered on FB! LOL - I am still laughing about it. I'm not actually sure how funny it is, but I am laughing anyway. Ok, I will tell the story. So my favorite magazine, Triathlete, had a V-day contest "tell us your worst Valentine's Day date story" on FB and one boy and one girl would be chosen the winner of a TYR (my favorite swim brand) string bag (the kind like all the kids carry). I seriously never comment on these things, but I figured, what the heck. I wrote, "I have never had a Valentine's Day date. That makes for a bad day." It's true. Even though DK and I were together through several V-day's we never once went on a Valentine's Day date. Whaddyaknow, I was chosen as the winner (the girl winner, I hope). I will post a picture of the bag when I get it - hopefully soon as I have the patience of 40 week pregnant woman. They asked me for my color preference - not only do I lack patience, but I also lack decision-making ability - black, blue, red or pink. Oh, for the love. I have to choose between those 4 colors? They are all like, my besties. I responded with "My preference - black or red." They responded, "You got it." I can't wait!
We have to go back a few more days (Feb 11)to giddy #3 - I signed up for my "A" race of 2011. With the help of miss EW in the training room one night at work- whether she knows it or not - she helped me decide that a road trip to Lawrence, Kansas was the best decision. The rationale for this race goes like this:
1-the race is June 12 - much earlier in the fabulous summer than Racine (which I still want to do) which makes training in the prime pool months not (less?) of an issue.
2-Lawrence, KS is drivable - 8.5 hours according to trusty Mapquest
3-Lawrence is a new destination - and the course seems quite fair (note: no monster hills)- plus Lawrence is a cheap place from what my research tells me.
4-a June race makes it more likely that my mom will be able to go - not going to explain this any further at this point
5-this race is IM 70.3 branded - which means steep entry fee lol - but it means it will be a spectacular venue! Lots of racers, the chance to see several pros, tons of course support, etc.
I am so giddy for it - and my training has been going very well. Until Saturday afternoon when I developed a horrible sore throat and stuffy nose. Ugh. Again? Why? I won't get into this here...I promised myself. This is a "giddy" post, so no crying.
My parents are fully on board, which means more to me than you can understand. My dad is pumped to be my "caddy" again. Apparently after I told them he started discussing how long it would take to drive there. (I am grateful that my familiy has never had issues with riding in a car for long distances). Not once has my mom speculated that she might not be able to go. I think they are finally "getting" me when it comes to my dedication to this sport. I love them!
My friends who know me and understand this sport (at least understand as much as I have bored them with details) have sent well-wishes already and I am so grateful. It makes training so much more fun to have friends and family supportive of my decisions to spend what free time I have working out. Especially since just about all of them are not involved in the sport - lol!
Due to the timing of Kansas I think I will also register for "Fruit at the Finish" on April 30th-it will serve as a high intensity brick workout that day and just so happens to fall at a GREAT time in my training schedule. This is the SJU PRP event that I have done many times over the last several years. It was actually my very first triathlon race ever - I did the bike leg of a relay my sophmore year at CSB...so...1998? 13 years ago?! I may also register for the Apple Duathlon here in Sartell. This is May 28th...some things to consider before signing up for this one however.
I am working on my training plan nearly everyday. Excessive? Yes. I known my fitness levels are much higher at this point now than the same time last year, but that only makes me want to train MORE. Not such a good idea - as I got a little taste of overtraining a few weeks ago. This week is a scheduled recovery week (thank goodness, due to the stupid cold). My plan is to do the recovery week just as my plan states and complete next week (week 1 of a 3 week build), week 13 in the plan as it states. I will stop myself from doing MORE than what it tells me to do. I have been reading several articles as of late that indicate that doing TOO much can be detrimetnal to your performance. Less is more. I need to remember that. I know that. I need to practice what I preach. I need to remember that ;)
104 days til Kansas...Giddy me :) :) :)
My age group F30-34 entering the Lake Michigan at IM 70.3 Racine last July.
Monday last week - known to most as Valentine's Day - was a monumental day for me. I finally got the D filed. I cannot describe how I felt that day - I had no idea that I could possible feel as giddy as I did. I could barely drive to the courthouse....seriously. It was nuts. But, it was good. It was also sad, but certainly about time that it happen. It won't be final of course, until the findings are received from the judge, in the snail mail. We will each receive a copy. It's been a week - and all I am doing is hoping that the judge who reviews our case does not find anything "wrong" with it. Be prepared, if the judge does find something unacceptable with our case, that I will fall down and will struggle to get back up. I don't think I can handle doing this paperwork again, and I am sure that will cost money, which I don't have, since I put forth enough for this already. We won't think about it...anyway, the lady at the courthouse told me to expect the findings in 2-3 weeks and it's been 1 already, so it's coming soon. Giddy me.
Giddy #2 came a few days later when I found out I had won a contest I entered on FB! LOL - I am still laughing about it. I'm not actually sure how funny it is, but I am laughing anyway. Ok, I will tell the story. So my favorite magazine, Triathlete, had a V-day contest "tell us your worst Valentine's Day date story" on FB and one boy and one girl would be chosen the winner of a TYR (my favorite swim brand) string bag (the kind like all the kids carry). I seriously never comment on these things, but I figured, what the heck. I wrote, "I have never had a Valentine's Day date. That makes for a bad day." It's true. Even though DK and I were together through several V-day's we never once went on a Valentine's Day date. Whaddyaknow, I was chosen as the winner (the girl winner, I hope). I will post a picture of the bag when I get it - hopefully soon as I have the patience of 40 week pregnant woman. They asked me for my color preference - not only do I lack patience, but I also lack decision-making ability - black, blue, red or pink. Oh, for the love. I have to choose between those 4 colors? They are all like, my besties. I responded with "My preference - black or red." They responded, "You got it." I can't wait!
We have to go back a few more days (Feb 11)to giddy #3 - I signed up for my "A" race of 2011. With the help of miss EW in the training room one night at work- whether she knows it or not - she helped me decide that a road trip to Lawrence, Kansas was the best decision. The rationale for this race goes like this:
1-the race is June 12 - much earlier in the fabulous summer than Racine (which I still want to do) which makes training in the prime pool months not (less?) of an issue.
2-Lawrence, KS is drivable - 8.5 hours according to trusty Mapquest
3-Lawrence is a new destination - and the course seems quite fair (note: no monster hills)- plus Lawrence is a cheap place from what my research tells me.
4-a June race makes it more likely that my mom will be able to go - not going to explain this any further at this point
5-this race is IM 70.3 branded - which means steep entry fee lol - but it means it will be a spectacular venue! Lots of racers, the chance to see several pros, tons of course support, etc.
I am so giddy for it - and my training has been going very well. Until Saturday afternoon when I developed a horrible sore throat and stuffy nose. Ugh. Again? Why? I won't get into this here...I promised myself. This is a "giddy" post, so no crying.
My parents are fully on board, which means more to me than you can understand. My dad is pumped to be my "caddy" again. Apparently after I told them he started discussing how long it would take to drive there. (I am grateful that my familiy has never had issues with riding in a car for long distances). Not once has my mom speculated that she might not be able to go. I think they are finally "getting" me when it comes to my dedication to this sport. I love them!
My friends who know me and understand this sport (at least understand as much as I have bored them with details) have sent well-wishes already and I am so grateful. It makes training so much more fun to have friends and family supportive of my decisions to spend what free time I have working out. Especially since just about all of them are not involved in the sport - lol!
Due to the timing of Kansas I think I will also register for "Fruit at the Finish" on April 30th-it will serve as a high intensity brick workout that day and just so happens to fall at a GREAT time in my training schedule. This is the SJU PRP event that I have done many times over the last several years. It was actually my very first triathlon race ever - I did the bike leg of a relay my sophmore year at CSB...so...1998? 13 years ago?! I may also register for the Apple Duathlon here in Sartell. This is May 28th...some things to consider before signing up for this one however.
I am working on my training plan nearly everyday. Excessive? Yes. I known my fitness levels are much higher at this point now than the same time last year, but that only makes me want to train MORE. Not such a good idea - as I got a little taste of overtraining a few weeks ago. This week is a scheduled recovery week (thank goodness, due to the stupid cold). My plan is to do the recovery week just as my plan states and complete next week (week 1 of a 3 week build), week 13 in the plan as it states. I will stop myself from doing MORE than what it tells me to do. I have been reading several articles as of late that indicate that doing TOO much can be detrimetnal to your performance. Less is more. I need to remember that. I know that. I need to practice what I preach. I need to remember that ;)
104 days til Kansas...Giddy me :) :) :)
My age group F30-34 entering the Lake Michigan at IM 70.3 Racine last July.
Monday, February 7, 2011
kerfuffled consistency
I saw this word last week and immediately wanted to use it somehow - "kerfuffle." I have never come across a word I wanted to incorporate into my smallish vocabulary as much as this one! So much that it is written on a bright yellow post-it at my school desk.
From dictionary.com
— n
1. informal chiefly ( Brit ) commotion; disorder; agitation
— vb
2. ( Scot ) ( tr ) to put into disorder or disarray; ruffle or disarrange
I saw the word used as a verb when I fell in like with it, but since investigating the definition I feel I could use "kerfuffle" to describe how I am feeling as of late. Agitated and disordered.
You see, I am a girl of order, consistency, a creature of serious habit. I am very independent and strive for as much consistency in my life day in and day out. Many friends and family would probably agree that if I am thrown for a loop in my regular planning I tend to be very out of sorts for quite some time. While this past week was a good exercise in returning to consistency I feel I have fallen off the consistency wagon again today. And really, would lump the past two weeks into the wagon.
My workouts last week were decent - certainly better than the previous week when I couldn't get my padunkadunk out of bed much less workout. This past week I was able to get a workout in every day and even had a few "awesome" workouts. Today - meh. I have no drive, no energy, no motivation, nothing. I feel I am living in commotion. I have no answers to items on my plate. I feel very disordered. I feel kerfuffled. I HATE IT. I ate 3 bowls of cereal at 8pm last night - now you know how disordered I feel.
Naturally, I am trying to figure out what my problem is and this is hard to say, it seems like I am just unhappy. I mean, I am generally a very happy go lucky person...so, pardon me, but WTF?
Normally my workouts are my motivation, my significant other and my solid ground - the backbone behind my consistent life. When these are not consistent I find myself thinking more and more about the other aspects of my life that are in a state of kerfuffle. The lack of a significant other in my life to share my thoughts, desires, dreams with, my lack of children that are mine, the future of my mom's health, my own ticking uterus and ovaries, my nearer-than-ever (thank God) expensive (relatively speaking, imo) divorce, my taxes that have to be re-filed, what I've lost over the past couple of years, NOT what I've gained which is what ideally I SHOULD think about (what have I gained anyway? besides a increased love for caffeine and coffee and not necessarily in that order), my lack of any DRIVE, ABILITY TO LOVE, MOTIVATION, PATIENCE. argh.
It's actually starting to worry me. Should I be seeking help? No, that's not what Erin does. She is fine...or, is she? I tried starting to tan again - for the mental aspect (what else is tanning for, really?!) While that is helping, it's not the answer. Is the winter starting to actually GET to me? Is it still not accepting my living situation? Is it struggling to be happy for those who have what I want? Do I need vitamin D supplements? Should I be sleeping more? Less? What if I broke down and subscribed to cable tv? Even if I had to put it on a credit card, would that help? Should I seek help of a professional? Should I pay for a race registration instead of dreaming of signing up so that I have an event/something to look forward to? Should I get out of town for a day or two? Well, that costs money, so that won't happen. Should I tell people to go to hell?
I DON'T KNOW!
And that's the problem. I'm disordered. #226 is in a kerfuffle.
Stay tuned...meh.
PS Now that the Superbowl is over we can look forward to something better than football....baseball!
From dictionary.com
— n
1. informal chiefly ( Brit ) commotion; disorder; agitation
— vb
2. ( Scot ) ( tr ) to put into disorder or disarray; ruffle or disarrange
I saw the word used as a verb when I fell in like with it, but since investigating the definition I feel I could use "kerfuffle" to describe how I am feeling as of late. Agitated and disordered.
You see, I am a girl of order, consistency, a creature of serious habit. I am very independent and strive for as much consistency in my life day in and day out. Many friends and family would probably agree that if I am thrown for a loop in my regular planning I tend to be very out of sorts for quite some time. While this past week was a good exercise in returning to consistency I feel I have fallen off the consistency wagon again today. And really, would lump the past two weeks into the wagon.
My workouts last week were decent - certainly better than the previous week when I couldn't get my padunkadunk out of bed much less workout. This past week I was able to get a workout in every day and even had a few "awesome" workouts. Today - meh. I have no drive, no energy, no motivation, nothing. I feel I am living in commotion. I have no answers to items on my plate. I feel very disordered. I feel kerfuffled. I HATE IT. I ate 3 bowls of cereal at 8pm last night - now you know how disordered I feel.
Naturally, I am trying to figure out what my problem is and this is hard to say, it seems like I am just unhappy. I mean, I am generally a very happy go lucky person...so, pardon me, but WTF?
Normally my workouts are my motivation, my significant other and my solid ground - the backbone behind my consistent life. When these are not consistent I find myself thinking more and more about the other aspects of my life that are in a state of kerfuffle. The lack of a significant other in my life to share my thoughts, desires, dreams with, my lack of children that are mine, the future of my mom's health, my own ticking uterus and ovaries, my nearer-than-ever (thank God) expensive (relatively speaking, imo) divorce, my taxes that have to be re-filed, what I've lost over the past couple of years, NOT what I've gained which is what ideally I SHOULD think about (what have I gained anyway? besides a increased love for caffeine and coffee and not necessarily in that order), my lack of any DRIVE, ABILITY TO LOVE, MOTIVATION, PATIENCE. argh.
It's actually starting to worry me. Should I be seeking help? No, that's not what Erin does. She is fine...or, is she? I tried starting to tan again - for the mental aspect (what else is tanning for, really?!) While that is helping, it's not the answer. Is the winter starting to actually GET to me? Is it still not accepting my living situation? Is it struggling to be happy for those who have what I want? Do I need vitamin D supplements? Should I be sleeping more? Less? What if I broke down and subscribed to cable tv? Even if I had to put it on a credit card, would that help? Should I seek help of a professional? Should I pay for a race registration instead of dreaming of signing up so that I have an event/something to look forward to? Should I get out of town for a day or two? Well, that costs money, so that won't happen. Should I tell people to go to hell?
I DON'T KNOW!
And that's the problem. I'm disordered. #226 is in a kerfuffle.
Stay tuned...meh.
PS Now that the Superbowl is over we can look forward to something better than football....baseball!
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